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Distribution of Trace Elements in Core Marine Sediments of Coastal East Malaysia by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Ashraf A, Saion E, Gharibshahi E, Kamari HM, Yap CK, Hamzah MS, et al.

Appl Radiat Isot, 2017 Apr;122:96-105.
PMID: 28129589 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.01.006

A study was carried out on the distribution and enrichment of trace elements in the core marine sediments of East Malaysia from three stations at South China Sea and one station each at Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea. Five stations of sediment cores were recovered and the vertical concentration profiles of six elements namely Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, Ta, and V were determined using the instrumental neutron activation analysis. The enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index and the modified degree of contamination were used to calculate the anthropogenic and pollution status of the elements in the samples. Except for Cs and Hf, which by the enrichment factor are categorized from minimum enrichment to moderate enrichment in all stations and for V and Rb in Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea, which are categorized minimum enrichment, other elements are found to be no enrichment at all stations. The geoaccumulation index of Hf in one station shows moderately polluted and for other elements are unpolluted. However, the modified degree values of all samples are less than 1, suggesting very low contamination of elements found in all the stations.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Revision of the genus Morphosphaera Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)

Lee CF, Bezdĕk J

Zootaxa, 2016 Oct 28;4179(1):1-41.
PMID: 27811689 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4179.1.1

The genus Morphosphaera Baly, 1861 is revised. Eleven species are considered as valid, including, M. takizawai sp. nov. (Mt. Basor, 90 km N of Gua Musang, Malaysia, W. Kelantan), described from Malaysia and Indonesia. Color photos of habitus and drawings of diagnostic characters from eleven species are presented. The following synonymies are proposed: M. sodalis Chen, 1935 and M. brunnea Maulik, 1936 are junior synonyms of M. albipennis Allard, 1889; M. margaritacea Laboissière, 1930, M. viridipennis Laboissière, 1930, and M. prava Maulik, 1936 are junior synonyms of M. coomani Laboissière, 1930; M. gracilicornis Chen, 1963 is a junior synonym of M. maculicollis Baly, 1861; M. cavaleriei Laboissière, 1930, M. cincticollis Laboissière, 1930, M. marginata Laboissière, 1930, M. purpurea Laboissière, 1930, M. gingkoae Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, and M. metallescens Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 are junior synonyms of M. sumatrana Jacoby, 1886. The type material of M. impunctata Allard, 1890 from the Philippines was not found and its taxonomic status remains uncertain. Morphosphaera peregrina Weise, 1913 is transferred to the genus Borneola Mohamedsaid, 1998 nov. comb. A neotype is designated for Chrysomela japonica Hornstedt, 1788. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: Adorium chrysomeloides Bates, 1866, A. japonicum Baly, 1874, Morphosphaera albipennis Allard, 1889, M. bimaculata Chûjô, 1938, M. caerulea Jacoby, 1896, M. cavaleriei Laboissière, 1930, M. collaris Laboissière, 1930, M. formosa Laboissière, 1930, M. marginata Laboissière, 1930, M. montivaga Maulik, 1936, M. prava Maulik, 1936, M. purpurea Laboissière, 1930, M. sumatrana Jacoby, 1886, M. viridipennis Laboissière, 1930, and Galerucida simplex Weise, 1922.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Characterization of rainwater chemical composition after a Southeast Asia haze event: insight of transboundary pollutant transport during the northeast monsoon

Nadzir MSM, Lin CY, Khan MF, Latif MT, Dominick D, Hamid HHA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jun;24(18):15278-15290.
PMID: 28500553 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9131-1

Open biomass burning in Peninsula Malaysia, Sumatra, and parts of the Indochinese region is a major source of transboundary haze pollution in the Southeast Asia. To study the influence of haze on rainwater chemistry, a short-term investigation was carried out during the occurrence of a severe haze episode from March to April 2014. Rainwater samples were collected after a prolonged drought and analyzed for heavy metals and major ion concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC), respectively. The chemical composition and morphology of the solid particulates suspended in rainwater were examined using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The dataset was further interpreted using enrichment factors (EF), statistical analysis, and a back trajectory (BT) model to find the possible sources of the particulates and pollutants. The results show a drop in rainwater pH from near neutral (pH 6.54) to acidic (

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Bee Inspired Novel Optimization Algorithm and Mathematical Model for Effective and Efficient Route Planning in Railway System

Leong KH, Abdul-Rahman H, Wang C, Onn CC, Loo SC

PLoS One, 2016;11(12):e0166064.
PMID: 27930659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166064

Railway and metro transport systems (RS) are becoming one of the popular choices of transportation among people, especially those who live in urban cities. Urbanization and increasing population due to rapid development of economy in many cities are leading to a bigger demand for urban rail transit. Despite being a popular variant of Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), it appears that the universal formula or techniques to solve the problem are yet to be found. This paper aims to develop an optimization algorithm for optimum route selection to multiple destinations in RS before returning to the starting point. Bee foraging behaviour is examined to generate a reliable algorithm in railway TSP. The algorithm is then verified by comparing the results with the exact solutions in 10 test cases, and a numerical case study is designed to demonstrate the application with large size sample. It is tested to be efficient and effective in railway route planning as the tour can be completed within a certain period of time by using minimal resources. The findings further support the reliability of the algorithm and capability to solve the problems with different complexity. This algorithm can be used as a method to assist business practitioners making better decision in route planning.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Cryptic species and grey zone speciation of the Barbodes binotatus complex (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in Sundaland

Ng CK, Tan J

J Fish Biol, 2021 Oct;99(4):1256-1273.
PMID: 34159593 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14829

Morphology-based taxonomy of freshwater fish is effective when there are representative specimens covering large regions. However, in Sundaland, where the presence of cryptic species is high, the technique has its limitations. This is compounded by uncritical descriptions of holotypes in old literature. We demonstrate the problem using Barbodes binotatus first described from an ink drawing. Several species in the Barbodes genus of Sundaland exhibit morphological similarity to B. binotatus. We applied new DNA sequences of 16S, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome b (Cytb) and recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1), and pigmentation markers to clarify species complex boundaries in the Malay Peninsula, namely B. aff. binotatus "Malay Peninsula", Barbodes cf. banksi and Barbodes rhombeus. Results suggest B. binotatus-like specimens in the Malay Peninsula are B. rhombeus based on a threshold of 3% COI genetic divergence. B. aff. binotatus recorded in Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines are likely valid but undescribed species. However, if the 2% COI threshold is applied, some populations in the northern Malay Peninsula would qualify as new and undescribed species. The implications of the 2% threshold and the likelihood of "grey zone" incipient populations are discussed. We further found a rapid visual method, not reported previously, to delineate B. aff. binotatus and B. cf. banksi, but it requires further validation. Additionally, we offer fresh perspectives by discussing the roles of biological species concept, morphological species concept, genetic species concept and mate recognition concept in the B. binotatus complex. Our findings reinforce the standpoint that species delineation is not entirely a binary process, but there is a spectrum to consider, especially in biogeography intersection regions.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status of University Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Comparative Study

Tan ST, Tan CX, Tan SS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 03;18(13).
PMID: 34281062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137125

The temporary closure of learning institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced the physical activity of students across all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and the patterns of physical activity among university students in confinement. This cross-sectional study involved 147 Malaysian students and 107 Indonesian students. Body weight before the pandemic and during the pandemic was self-reported by the respondents, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess the physical activity and sedentary behavior of the respondents. The findings revealed that 79.6% of Malaysians and 77.6% of Indonesians were physically active during the confinement. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the duration devoted to vigorous-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 480.00 MET minutes/week) and moderate-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 0.00 MET minutes/week) among the studied population. During the pandemic, Malaysian students (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) devoted a significantly higher duration to walking (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) and sedentary behavior (9.16 ± 4.47 h/day) than Indonesian students (M = 990.00 MET minutes/week and sedentary behavior = 7.85 ± 4.27 h/day). Overall, no significant difference was noted in the total physical activity of Malaysian and Indonesian students during the pandemic (MMalaysian = 2826.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 1782.00 MET minutes/week). Findings from Spearman's rank correlation test suggested that there was a weak inverse correlation between the duration engaged in vigorous-intensity activity and weight change among the Malaysian students (rs = -0.199, p = 0.016), after adjusting for gender and age. Overall, the closure of learning institutions and exercise facilities has further prevented individuals from complying with the WHO recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the period of home confinement.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan)

Liu J, Zheng C, Liu ZY, Niu YF

Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2021 Feb 09;6(2):485-487.
PMID: 33628898 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2021.1872449

Nephelium lappaceum is a popular tropical fruit belonging to the Sapindaceae family. The plant originated in Malaysia and Indonesia and is commonly called rambutan. Because of its refreshing flavor and exotic appearance, rambutan is widely accepted in the World. Due to its significant medicinal properties, the fruit has also been employed in traditional medicine for centuries. The chloroplast genome of rambutan was sequenced, assembled, and annotated in the present study. The chloroplast genome length was 161,356 bp and contained 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. It possessed the typical quadripartite circle structure with a large single-copy region (86,009 bp), a small single-copy region (18,153 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (28,597 bp). A total of 35 SSR markers were found in the chloroplast genome of Nephelium lappaceum, of which 33 were monomer, 1 was dimer and 1 was tetramer. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences of 21 plant species showed that rambutan was closely related to Pometia tomentosa. These results provide a foundation for further phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of the Sapindaceae family.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
The differences of patient satisfaction level in public and private hospitals in Makassar, Indonesia

Akbar FH, Rivai F, Awang AH

Enferm Clin, 2020 10;30 Suppl 6:165-169.
PMID: 33040892 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.06.038

OBJECTIVE: To know the difference in patient satisfaction level in the dental department of public hospitals and private hospital in Makassar.
METHODS: This study was conducted in December 2017-February 2018 in the dental department of Labuang Baji, which is a government hospital and Ibnu Sina Hospital, which is a private hospital. The samples were all patients who received dental treatment. Patient satisfaction was measured using a questionnaire (PSQ-18). Data were tested using Independent T-Test and ANOVA using SPSS version 24.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in accessibility, comfort, and communication between the public and private hospitals (p<0.05); the average value of patient satisfaction was higher in private hospitals.
CONCLUSION: Patients in private hospitals are more satisfied with the health services provided by health care providers, compared to patients in public hospitals.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Coastal meteorology on the dispersion of air particles at the Bachok GAW Station

Rahim HA, Khan MF, Ibrahim ZF, Shoaib A, Suradi H, Mohyeddin N, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 15;782:146783.
PMID: 33838363 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146783

Meteorology over coastal region is a driving factor to the concentration of air particles and reactive gases. This study aims to conduct a research to determine the level of year-round air particles and the interaction of the meteorological driving factors with the particle number and mass in 2018, which is moderately influenced by Southeast Asian haze. We obtained the measurement data for particle number count (PNC), mass, reactive gases, and meteorological factors from a Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) station located at Bachok Marine Research Center, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia. For various timeseries and correlation analyses, a 60-second resolution of the data has been averaged hourly and daily and visualized further. Our results showed the slight difference in particle behavior that is either measured by unit mass or number count at the study area. Diurnal variations showed that particles were generally high during morning and night periods. Spike was observed in August for PM2.5/PNC2.5 and PM10/PNC10 and in November for PMCoarse/PNCCoarse. From a polar plot, the particles came from two distinct sources (e.g., seaside and roadside) at the local scale. Regional wind vector shows two distinct wind-blown directions from northeast and southwest. The air mases were transported from northeast (e.g., Philippines, mainland China, and Taiwan) or southwest (e.g., Sumatra) region. Correlation analysis shows that relative humidity, wind direction, and pressure influence the increase in particles, whereas negative correlation with temperature is observed, and wind speed may have a potential role on the decline of particle concentration. The particles at the study area was highly influenced by the changes in regional wind direction and speed.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Evolutionary pattern of Macaca fascicularis in Southeast Asia inferred using Y-chromosomal gene

Rovie-Ryan JJ, Khan FAA, Abdullah MT

BMC Ecol Evol, 2021 02 15;21(1):26.
PMID: 33588750 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01757-1

BACKGROUND: We analyzed a combined segment (2032-bp) of the sex-determining region and the testis-specific protein of the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) gene to clarify the gene flow and phylogenetic relationships of the long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic relationships were constructed using the maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and the median-joining network from a total of 164 adult male M. fascicularis from 62 localities in Malaysia, including sequences from the other regions from previous studies.
RESULTS: Based on Y-DNA, we confirm the presence of two lineages of M. fascicularis: the Indochinese and Sundaic lineages. The Indochinese lineage is represented by M. fascicularis located northwards of the Surat Thani-Krabi depression region and is introgressed by the Macaca mulatta Y-DNA. The Sundaic lineage is free from such hybridization event, thus defined as the original carrier of the M. fascicularis Y-DNA. We further revealed that the Sundaic lineage differentiated into two forms: the insular and the continental forms. The insular form, which represents the ancestral form of M. fascicularis, consists of two haplotypes: a single homogenous haplotype occupying the island of Borneo, Philippines, and southern Sumatra; and the Javan haplotype. The more diverse continental form consists of 17 haplotypes in which a dominant haplotype was shared by individuals from southern Thai Peninsular (south of Surat Thani-Krabi depression), Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra. Uniquely, Sumatra contains both the continental and insular Y-DNA which can be explained by a secondary contact hypothesis.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings in this study are important: (1) to help authority particularly in Malaysia on the population management activities including translocation and culling of conflict M. fascicularis, (2) to identify the unknown origin of captive M. fascicularis used in biomedical research, and; (3) the separation between the continental and insular forms warrants for the treatment as separate management units.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Effect of large-scale social restriction (PSBB) during COVID-19 on outdoor air quality: Evidence from five cities in DKI Jakarta Province, Indonesia

Anugerah AR, Muttaqin PS, Purnama DA

Environ Res, 2021 06;197:111164.
PMID: 33872645 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111164

The variation in the concentration of outdoor air pollutants during the COVID-19 lockdown was studied in Jakarta, Indonesia. The term lockdown was replaced by large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in Indonesia by more flexible regulations to save the economy. Data on five air pollutants, namely, PM10, SO2, CO, O3, and NO2, from five monitoring stations located in five regions in Jakarta (West, East, Central, North, and South Jakarta) were utilized. We analyzed the changes in the concentrations of outdoor air pollutants before lockdown from January 1 to April 9, 2020, and during lockdown from April 10 to June 4, 2020. Overall, the CO concentration (39.9%) demonstrated the most significant reduction during lockdown, followed by NO2 (7.5%) and then SO2 (5.7%). However, we unexpectedly found that during lockdown, the PM10 concentration in Jakarta increased by 10.9% due to the southwest monsoon during the seasonal change in Jakarta. Among the five cities in Jakarta, East and Central Jakarta experienced the maximum improvement in their air quality, whereas North Jakarta had the least air quality improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first to study the effect of lockdown on outdoor air quality improvement in Indonesia using ground-level measurement data. The findings of the study provide additional strategies to the regulatory bodies for the reduction of temporal air pollutants in Jakarta, Indonesia, by restricting people mobility as a supplementary initiative.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Modelling Asthma Cases by Count Analysis Approach: Poisson INGARCH and Negative Binomial INGARCH

'Aaishah Radziah Jamaludin, Fadhilah Yusof, Suhartono

MATEMATIKA, 2020;36(1):15-30.
MyJurnal

Johor Bahru with its rapid development where pollution is an issue that needs to be considered because it has contributed to the number of asthma cases in this area. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the behaviour of asthma disease in Johor Bahru by count analysis approach namely; Poisson Integer Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (Poisson-INGARCH) and Negative Binomial INGARCH (NB-INGARCH) with identity and log link function. Intervention analysis was conducted since the outbreak in the asthma data for the period of July 2012 to July 2013. This occurs perhaps due to the extremely bad haze in Johor Bahru from Indonesian fires. The estimation of the parameter will be done by quasi-maximum likelihood estimation. Model assessment was evaluated from the Pearson residuals, cumulative periodogram, the probability integral transform (PIT) histogram, log-likelihood value, Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Our result shows that NB-INGARCH with identity and log link function is adequate in representing the asthma data with uncorrelated Pearson residuals, higher in log likelihood, the PIT exhibits normality yet the lowest AIC and BIC. However, in terms of forecasting accuracy, NB-INGARCH with identity link function performed better with the smaller RMSE (8.54) for the sample data. Therefore, NB-INGARCH with identity link function can be applied as the prediction model for asthma disease in Johor Bahru. Ideally, this outcome can assist the Department of Health in executing counteractive action and early planning to curb asthma diseases in Johor Bahru.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Isolated hypotension after the induction of general anesthesia refractory to fluids and vasopressors: An indicator of anaphylaxis

Mok CS, Vanessa L

Med J Malaysia, 2021 03;76(2):267-269.
PMID: 33742644

Differentiating between anaphylaxis and hypotension during general anaesthesia is difficult, especially when patients present with only hypotension and without any of the other classical features of anaphylaxis. We report the successful management of an anaphylactic reaction to rocuronium that presented as isolated hypotension in a 45-year-old Indonesian man presented with lacerations on the scalp and right pinna caused by an assault to the head after the induction of general anaesthesia, refractory to fluids and high doses of vasopressors. This case highlights that a possible indicator of anaphylaxis can be the presence of isolated hypotension during.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Three new species of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Lesser Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia

Takaoka H, Sofian-Azirun M, Chen CD, Lau KW, Halim MRA, Low VL, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):951-974.
PMID: 33601844

Simulium (Gomphostilbia) dhangi sp. nov., S. (G.) sumbaense sp. nov. and S. (Nevermannia) wayani sp. nov. are described from the Lesser Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia. Simulium (G.) sumbaense sp. nov. is placed in the S. varicorne species-group and is characterized by the pupal gill with eight filaments arranged as (1+1+1+1+2)+2 from dorsal to ventral, while S. (G.) dhangi sp. nov., unplaced to group, is characterized by the pupal gill composed of two inflated trunks and four slender filaments all arising basally, and the short larval antenna as long as the stem of the labral fan. Simulium (N.) wayani sp. nov. belongs to the S. ruficorne species-group and is characterized by the female spermatheca with an unsclerotized neck, and pupal gill with four inflated filaments. The number of species of black flies from the archipelago increases from 19 to 22.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Descriptions of the female, male and mature larva of Simulium contractum Takaoka (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia

Takaoka H, Sofian-Azirun M, Chen CD, Halim MRA, Lau KW, Low VL, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):683-690.
PMID: 33612782 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.683

Simulium (Simulium) contractum Takaoka from Sulawesi, Indonesia was known only as the pupa. Its female, male and mature larva are described for the first time. The tentative assignment of this species in the Simulium dumogaense species-group is confirmed by the adult characters including the female and male genitalia. The female and male of this species are similar to those of Simulium (Simulium) tumpaense Takaoka and Roberts but are distinguished by the yellowish femora.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Harnessing landfill gas (LFG) for electricity: A strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Jakarta (Indonesia)

Kurniawan TA, Liang X, Singh D, Othman MHD, Goh HH, Gikas P, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2022 Jan 01;301:113882.
PMID: 34638040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113882

Due to its increasing demands for fossil fuels, Indonesia needs an alternative energy to diversify its energy supply. Landfill gas (LFG), which key component is methane (CH4), has become one of the most attractive options to sustain its continued economic development. This exploratory study seeks to demonstrate the added value of landfilled municipal solid waste (MSW) in generating sustainable energy, resulting from CH4 emissions in the Bantargebang landfill (Jakarta). The power generation capacity of a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant based on a mathematical modeling was investigated. This article critically evaluated the production of electricity and potential income from its sale in the market. The project's environmental impact assessment and its socio-economic and environmental benefits in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects were discussed. It was found that the emitted CH4 from the landfill could be reduced by 25,000 Mt annually, while its electricity generation could reach one million kW ⋅h annually, savings on equivalent electricity charge worth US$ 112 million/year (based on US' 8/kW ⋅ h). An equivalent CO2 mitigation of 3.4 × 106 Mt/year was obtained. The income from its power sale were US$ 1.2 ×106 in the 1st year and 7.7 ×107US$ in the 15th year, respectively, based on the projected CH4 and power generation. The modeling study on the Bantargebang landfill using the LFG extraction data indicated that the LFG production ranged from 0.05 to 0.40 m3 per kg of the landfilled MSW. The LFG could generate electricity as low as US' 8 per kW ⋅ h. With respect to the implications of this study, the revenue not only defrays the cost of landfill's operations and maintenance (O&M), but also provides an incentive and means to further improve its design and operations. Overall, this work not only leads to a diversification of primary energy, but also improves environmental protection and the living standard of the people surrounding the plant.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Antibiotic Use among the Population of Boyolali, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Karuniawati H, Hassali MAA, Suryawati S, Ismail WI, Taufik T, Hossain MS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Aug 04;18(16).
PMID: 34444015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168258

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are potential causes of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Having information about the knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning antibiotics use by the public might help control ABR growth. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the levels and associated factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of antibiotics use among the public. A questionnaire was designed and validated, which consisted of a total of 51 questions with four sections: demographics (6), knowledge (20), attitude (12), and practice (13) to measure KAP. Univariate analysis (using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis analysis) was applied to assess the differences in the mean scores of KAP. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with KAP. Finally, using Spearman analysis we have examined the correlation between responses to the KAP. The sample size of this study was 575, with a 99.96% response rate. Regarding knowledge, 73.12% of respondents stated that antibiotics could be used to treat viral infections, and 63.35% of respondents answered that antibiotics could reduce fever. Concerning attitude, 50% of respondents had considered stopping taking antibiotics as soon as symptoms had disappeared. In analyzing practice, we found 40% of respondents obtained antibiotics from a pharmacy without a prescription from a physician, a nurse, or a midwife. Statistical analysis revealed that KAP about antibiotic use was significantly associated with gender, area of residence, level of education, and monthly income (p < 0.05). Our findings concluded that men, respondents with low income, those with low-level education, and those living in rural areas are more prone to excessive use of antibiotics without knowing the adverse effects of improper use and how it can contribute to high ABR. So it is urgently necessary to strengthen policies on antibiotics use, including drug provision, distribution, and sales. In addition, people with low KAP should be a priority consideration in education outreach initiatives.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Perceived Consequences of Extended Social Isolation on Mental Well-Being: Narratives from Indonesian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Rahiem MDH, Krauss SE, Ersing R

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Oct 06;18(19).
PMID: 34639788 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910489

Despite several recent studies reporting on young people's well-being during COVID-19, few large-scale qualitative studies have been carried out that capture the experiences of young people from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) undergoing extended social restrictions. The challenges faced by young people from LMICs during COVID-19 are likely to be amplified by their countries' large populations, resource constraints, lack of access to health care, living conditions, socio-spatial contexts, and the pandemic's ramifications for communities. This study explored how youths perceived their well-being after being isolated for one-and-a-half years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative narrative research was employed as a method of inquiry. One-hundred and sixty-six university students in Jakarta, Indonesia, between the ages of 17 and 22 wrote reflective online essays on the consequences of extended pandemic isolation on their mental health. This data collection strategy offered an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon through the narratives of those who experienced it. Seven themes expressing the youths' perceived well-being were identified through inductive reflective thematic analysis: (1) the anguish of loneliness and estrangement; (2) a state of "brokenness" resulting from emotional agony and distress; (3) frustration, confusion, and anger; (4) the experience of conflicting emotions; (5) uncertainty about both the present and future; (6) a sense of purpose and fulfillment; and (7) turning to faith. The findings provide important insights into Indonesian youths' well-being following extended social restrictions following the outbreak. Their collective experiences can be used to inform policy and practice regarding the nature of support mechanisms required both during and following the pandemic, and in the future if such a situation were to occur again.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Polystyrene Microplastics Exposure: An Insight into Multiple Organ Histological Alterations, Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in Javanese Medaka Fish (Oryzias javanicus Bleeker, 1854)

Usman S, Abdull Razis AF, Shaari K, Amal MNA, Saad MZ, Mat Isa N, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 09 07;18(18).
PMID: 34574375 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189449

Microplastics (MPs) have become pollutants of concern due to their unknown human health effect and negative impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. There is increasing number of experimental research on MPs globally with its effects not fully understood; recent animal studies explore its effects on the intestines, yet on other vital organs. Javanese medaka fish was exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) beads for a period of 21 days. Histological alterations, intestinal oxidative stress, permeability and neurotoxicity were evaluated. Significant inflammatory changes and tissue damage were observed in the intestine, liver and kidney. Intestinal oxidative stress and permeability were found to be significantly increased. In the brain, neurotoxicity characterised by a significant induction of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme were elucidated. This study provided an insight into the multiple organ effect of microplastics exposure, necessitating further exploration and identification of biomarkers to be utilised for biomonitoring population at risk in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia
Fulltext Metabolome analysis and chemical profiling of Indonesian royal jellies as the raw material for cosmetic and bio-supplement products

Sari E, Mahira KF, Patel DN, Chua LS, Pratami DK, Sahlan M

Heliyon, 2021 May;7(5):e06912.
PMID: 34013079 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06912

Royal jellies (RJs) possess moisturizing, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties, and several pharmacological activities have also been found to be present, which make them an ideal component for cosmetic and skin care products. However, despite the abundant efficacies, there is a lack of studies that explore the chemical composition of RJ using metabolome analysis. Furthermore, an evaluation of the chemical composition of Indonesian RJs collected from different regions has yet to be carried out. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify any differences in the chemical composition of such RJs. Chemical profiling was also carried out to enable more targeted utilization based on the actual compositions. Chemical profiling is also important given the rich Indonesian biodiversity and the high dependence of the RJ compositions on the botanical source. In this research, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used as part of an untargeted metabolomics approach. From the chemical profiling, >30 compounds were identified across four RJ samples. The major constituents of the samples were found to be oligosaccharides, fatty acids, and adenosine monophosphate derivatives. Meanwhile, sucrose and planteose were found to be highest in the samples from Banjarnegara and Kediri, whereas dimethyloctanoic acid was found to be unique to the sample from Banjarnegara. It was also discovered that the RJs from Demak and Tuban contained more organic fatty acids and oligosaccharides than the other samples. Although the sample from Demak demonstrated good potential for use in the cosmetic, skin care, and bio-supplement industries, the higher abundance of fatty acids and oligosaccharides in the sample from Tuban indicated that it is perhaps the most suitable RJ for use in this field.

Matched MeSH terms: Indonesia

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